The Ortega Library sits right between a middle school, an elementary school, and a big community park so calling it "busy with kids" is an understatement. I'm here often to pick up large stacks of books, and let me just say- the SFPL app is game changing for me as a busy teacher. I follow a bunch of librarian/teacher influencers, and the moment they rave about a new title, I'm on the app placing my hold. Picking up books is fast and painless. Everything is always ready in one spot in alphabetical order- scan your library card, stack your books on the check out pad, and the machine takes care of the rest. Get a receipt printed or emailed. Now, is it a little chaotic being surrounded by middle schoolers using all the computers? Sure. But honestly, I'm glad they have a safe, supervised place to hang out. And let's talk about the real bonus: the Mister Softee and Magic Frosty trucks often parked out front. Free books plus ice cream? That's an unbeatable combo. Overall, Ortega Library is a gem. busy, messy, joyful, and incredibly useful. They do a ton of community events also. Your library card also gets you free museum perks, which I still need to explore but love knowing exist. read more

See all

The Ortega Branch Library has become one of my favorite community hubs. It has a decent collection of K-pop CDs available to borrow, and for gardeners, there's even a seed library. I also love the events they host like plant exchanges, seasonal treats, and hands-on crafts that truly bring the community together. read more

Great place but only when the kids are in school. When school is out, talking non stop, playing video games on the computers and running around. read more

The San Francisco Public Library has so many...smaller buildings around the town...nice weather in California...the best public libraries since 1985...mid 80s ...you know lavar burton in reading rainbow...probably...that would be 40 years ago to boot...this library has a nice patio and view of the beach near Sunset...near the school block and the Chinese businesses food mostly...long time ...first time visiting this library...checked out various summer reading...use the laptop with a card...sunny...Chinese used this library...I guess I like Sunset library more...too far...one time visitor...similar to Merced library near SFSU...so many! specialties are Haight North Beach and also Marina library..too far and hard to reach...one time read more

Ortega branch is a nice little neighborhood public library! It's never too crowded, which is great if you want to read at one of the tables. They also host free family events, which are a great opportunity to try new things. I recently attended the slime-making event, which was really fun! It's conveniently located next to the park, so you can hang out there before checking out the library. read more

Ortega Branch Library - Slime making event @ Ortega Branch - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

I went there and volunteered for community service hours and the atmosphere was peaceful during these times I went to. read more

Ortega Branch Library - (community service volunteering) - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Absolutely a wonderful library. Their new book selection is always up to date and I love finding some great new bestseller books to borrow! Pros: -Playground is right behind the library building and is welcoming for children all ages and adults. -There are tennis courts and basketball courts I believe as well. The children's playground and structures are separated by age group. -Storytime is a hit here! Families always show up and the librarians leading them are resourceful, enthusiastic, and kindhearted people. They welcome all families to join and participate! -check out and returning books are easily accessible by the front!! -Staff are friendly and helpful! Cons: -If you have a middle schooler this is a pro for you because they can hang out at the library while they wait for you to come get them BUT for other library patrons... middle schoolers are loud and obnoxious so it's not always the best place to study. -can get crowded easily Street parking is not that bad. No residential permit required! read more

Ortega Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

I've never been inside; this is a review based solely on picking up reserved books during the pandemic, when all the library branches were still closed for in-the-library stuff. "The Ortega Branch? Where's that?" This is what I asked myself during COVID, when I was trying to figure out a different place to pick up reserved books. See, my normal go-to, the Park Branch, hadn't reopened for anything yet, so I was looking for an open branch that either had a parking lot or was easy to park near. This seemed like as good an option as any, plus I could hit up Polly Ann while in the neighborhood, and who doesn't like Polly Ann? The librarians were very friendly. I came almost immediately after the branch reopened, so it might have been their third or fourth day back in service. I mention this because it took quite a while for them to get through what would become (at this branch and at others) a fairly quick process. I think they were still afraid of all these people, so they were taking their time finding the reserved books and wiping them down or whatever they did. I came five or six times before I started trying other branches--and, of course, all of them eventually reopened--and I never had trouble finding parking within a block. I have no idea what the non-COVID parking sitch is, but it's very close to both A.P. Giannini Middle School and St. Ignatius High School, so parking on weekdays during the school year might be tough. Who knows? All I know is that I'll use any excuse to visit Polly Ann and spin the wheel. read more

Seems like libraries aren't quiet places anymore. Once the school lets out, their kids flood the library, playing shooting games on library computers and shouting and screaming to each other. The whole library atmosphere and experience is so poor. No attempts are made to tell these kids to use indoor voices. Even a random coffee shop would be quieter than this. read more

I got here minutes before they closed for a quick hold pick-up. All the employees were standing in front of the building chatting when I arrived. I literally walked towards the doors with the last employee STILL INSIDE. As she walked out and I walked towards the doors, they told me they already closed and I couldn't go in. Super disappointing that they would blatantly shirk their duties and close early with no explanation or apologies right in front of my face. read more

I am a professional Nanny and I have been to many libraries and this one by far is my top 5. The librarians go above and beyond, the community is friendly and safe, and the grounds is always kept up and clean. In the summer time there is a Wednesday farmers market, and large play area , by far a highlight of our week. There is also a large playground/ park area that is great for the whole family, If you hate kids and complain about children learning and engaging then take your grumpy self to the store and get some noise canceling earphones, this is the city, you live with a diverse group of people. Get use to it:) read more

The Ortega Branch Library is a hike to get to as besides being in the Outer Sunset you must realize that it isn't all that close to either MUNI line. In fact I took the N MUNI line to the Outer Sunset from downtown San Francisco & then walked about a mile on the beach before heading over here. I took the L MUNI line back to downtown San Francisco after I left here as it was closer than heading to the N MUNI line. The Ortega Branch Library is adjacent to the West Sunset Playground. The Ortega Branch Library offers battery recycling which is a great feature. They have Free Mandarin classes for kids age 1st to 3rd grade during a 10-week course from Jan to Mar 2018. I think the library should only get 4 stars since it is a bit far from a MUNI line yet am bumping it up to 5 stars as you get an awesome view of the Pacific Ocean from the library. In fact as you browse the DVD section you can watch surfers surf 8 foot tall waves like I did yesterday & that is pretty cool. Other unique programs on offer here is that a plant swap that occurs once a month as local gardeners swap succulents, cuttings, seeds, or surplus harvest. They had Dhani Harrison's new solo album here. They had the film Cowspiracy, & the film Poetic Justice. Poetic Justice features Tupac Shakur & Janet Jackson. It takes place partly in Oakland & Tupac is featured wearing an Oakland Athletics jersey on the cover of the DVD. Good selection of books & media here. Smart selections. Loved the artwork as you enter featuring large fish & colorful murals featuring surfers along w/ bonfires w/ animals featuring a utopian society of sorts. read more

See all

Tremendous location in front of the West Sunset playground and next to the AP Giannini middle school, this charming branch is perfectly situated for after school studying or before playground storytime. After lunch, I took my little boy and his friend to browse and pick out some books and as they read for awhile, I perused the business section. They didn't have very many titles; it is a small outpost and not the Main library. The librarian was very helpful when I asked a few questions and I looked around and admired the architecture and expanse of ocean you can see from the back windows. It's a very peaceful location. From the winding curvature of the aisles and gorgeous views from the windows, this branch encourages study and quiet contemplation. The children's section is magnificent, there's a book for any taste or age. It makes sense with the branch's adjacent location to the middle school and in this family-oriented neighborhood of the Outer Sunset. There's at least one sizable room where a large group of kids were preparing for testing (maybe the SAT?) and an area of the children's reading section for set aside for toddlers and preschoolers. Lots of books were waiting for pick-up, culled from the public libraries across the city. With the adjacent public soccer and ball field nearing completion, this three block section of the Outer Sunset will have it all for family fun. read more

See all

This library has the most beautiful view of the ocean, but it gets noisy when the kids come in after their school is over in the afternoon. The fatal flaw for this library though is the very unstable and slowwww WiFi. It keeps kicking me off. I measured the speed once and the download speed was 4 MB per sec. Maybe they throttle it so the kids don't play games here....I don't know. read more

Dear Cody, One of Mommy's favorite part of the day is story time. Every evening before your night-time nursing, Mommy and I will sit down to read you one or two bedtime stories. I'd do my best to adjust my voice between the narrator and the characters, which may sometimes induce a baby giggle. Most of the time though, you wear a blank expression through the entire reading, spending more of the time staring into my face instead of admiring the illustrations. Cute that you are, I take no offense. Mommy and I simply put the book back in your bin, knowing that you can do story time again the next day. Cody, you are very lucky because all your aunties and uncles already gifted you your very own little library. Thanks to their generosity and thoughtfulness, you have a bunch of the classics, some with vibrant illustrations, and a few with modern messages. As you grow up, you can go back to these wonderful stories again and again while sipping on a cup of hot cocoa. When I was growing up, we didn't have the extra money to spend on books. But your goo-ma, even at her young age, knew that reading was a gift in itself. So from time to time, she would take her little brother's (me!) hand and walk him to the Ortega Library, where everyone can enjoy shelves and shelves of books for no cost at all. I remember there used to be an entire section of the library dedicated for kids. We had just arrived in the US and my English was still poor, so I started off with books that had lots of pictures to help me understand -- not unlike the ones that I read to you during story time. Goo-ma had high marks in her English class, so she adapted a bit better and started out with Goosebumps before moving to Fear Street (basically teenage goosebumps). I still remember the exact spot where goo-ma would choose those books. After each having picked out our favorites for the week, a nice librarian would process our borrowings and we'll be on our way home, ready to read. Since mine were mostly pictures, I naturally finished my pile much earlier than goo-ma. Then I'll wait no-so-patiently for her to finish her first book before hounding her to tell me about it. I guess that would be goo-ma's story time for me. She'll tell me about the characters, build up the plot, and include the details that I may find fascinating. Growing up in an immigrant family, these small details introduced us to the American way of life ("so they just eat that without rice?"). More importantly, these stories provided us with the adventures that our two working parents could not take us on. The image of goo-ma being completely absorbed by a book has been imprinted on my mind since I was little. Maybe that's why I've grown up having a deep respect for books, and why I want you to share that sentiment as well. I hope to walk with you to the Ortega Library when you are a bit older. I want to show you where I used to find my favorite Frog and Toad stories and where goo-ma found her Goosebumps. I also want you to see all the other people enjoying the library as well. Sure, some of the kids may be playing games on the computer and some may just be running around. But there will be someone there, like goo-ma, who is using the books to learn and to go on adventures. I bet that that someone sees Ortega Library as a wonderful place, just like I did when I had my library books on one hand, and goo-ma's hand on my other. And I really hope that you will see that too. Love always, Daddy read more

I love coming here to study and get work done. They have outlets on the tables which is very convenient. It's a pretty small library but very clean and I've never had a problem getting a table to get work done. This library is between 2 schools and a playground in the back so it might get loud with kids. read more

Been coming here since the 1980s and after the remodel, things are not the same anymore. I see how the remodel has made the place have more room for people to walk around and an area for people to even do homework. But it no longer has it's warm feeling of a library it once had. read more

Ortega Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

I've come to this library frequently throughout my youth. My strict parents, would especially send me here while I was a teenager so I'd check out and "interesting" book to read. Psh! Before the digital age, people would line up to check out materials from the library. I love the upgrades! Library of the future! read more

People using their phones during library hours and on speaker! No one calling them out. What happened to librarians shushing when people are talking. Seriously?! Next level rudeness! Then school is out and 3 kids sit across from me playing with their phones, laughing and talking. Blatant disregard for the the fact I was trying to study. While they laugh the table moves. I asked them nicely, twice to keep it down and they would apologize and quiets down for a few minutes then reverts back to their bad behavior. No librarians calling them out. I just eventually left the library. By far the worst library to be in if your trying to study. The place is too noisy for a library and no one in charge to keep it quiet. read more

I can't believe I've taken libraries for granted! Been going for 3-4 months now for Children singing & storytime! It's a GEM to watch Kris & Hilary perform! And they are so so good like a Performer on tour in doing it organically as if it was their first time! Please stop by & grab a schedule and participate! read more

I live close to the Ortega Branch and Sunset Branch Libraries and decided to send all my "on-hold" books to Ortega since that seemed like a cooler and more modern looking library. The library is connected to the adjacent school, so it has a lively young atmosphere. However, I came here for the first time over the summer, so it was probably less busy and rowdy than usual and I could ACTUALLY find street parking. The staff that works here is not all that friendly, at least when I visited. They were all grumbly and kept pawning me off one another when I wanted to check-out my on-hold books. Or maybe I just have high standards since switching from the Eureka Valley Branch. Still, Ortega is conveniently located for me, and it really is a beautiful property! read more

Very pleasant place to study and read especially during a nice day outside with beautiful view read more

Ortega Branch Library - The pathway to books and studying - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Few days ago, as I was about to pick up the books I had on hold, I noticed that a couple of them which were listed on my library record online were not on the hold rack. So, I went up to the help desk, which I rarely do, as I prefer to self checkout the books, and waited while a librarian was checking out a long line of people. As I waited ... and waited, I noticed that there were 3 people behind the counter, glued to their computers, and another sitting not too far from the checkout line also doing the same as if her life depended on it. I walked over to the librarian sitting near the checkout line to see if she would be able to pitch in as there was a slew of people waiting and needed help. When I walked up to her, she didn't even bother to look up, and when I asked whether she would be able to give me the remainder of the books I had on hold, without so much as a word, she pointed to the librarian at the checkout line, indicating that she would be the only person who'd be able to help me. I went back to the line and waited ... needless to say, extremely annoyed, and when I finally got to the head of the line, I asked the librarian why the person I just spoke to couldn't pitch in and help out, to which she replied, "She's a librarian; she's not suppose to check people out." I'm baffled by this response, and even more so that in these tough economic times while there are budget cuts and mandatory furloughs throughout the state, how can a library afford to keep 4 librarians just sitting and staring at their computers all day? read more

I'm going to have to agree with Celine, Will, And other Yelpers. This is a loud library. Kids running, speaking loudly while playing video games,adults speaking loudly while taking phone calls. Some libraries have a room specifically for being quiet. No talking. Or librarians could try monitoring the noise level. read more

Library looks nice, but it's freezing inside. Just make sure you bundle up when you go there in the winter time. Seems they don't have heater? when outside temperature is in the 40s. Very strange. It's also a little noisy due to lots of kids running around. If you want a warm and quiet place, don't go there. read more

Clean, nice staff, & etc. but it's loud. Not a studying space for kids either. So many kids are just on computers playing MINECRAFT! My 3rd grade daughter no longer goes here because it's just distracting (and tempting). How and who do I make a formal complain that LIBRARY should not have kids playing addictive, computer games! read more

I love this library. I used to come here all the time when I went to Sunset Elementary. Well, I came in recently hoping that I would be able to pull some books for a project I had to do. I walked in and was completely shocked that the library was TINY. I went in on a Tuesday, and my project was due Thursday. PROCRASTINATION AT ITS FINEST. Anyways, I asked them if they had any books on my subject, and the answer was no. I was disappointed, but the librarian called a woman out from the back and she was the most helpful person I have ever met in my life. NO EXAGGERATION. She went online and searched for keywords...libraries within the area that carry books that would be useful to me. EVERYTHING. She was very passionate about helping me, and I feel terrible that I don't remember her name. She told me that the WP branch had a lot of books that would suit my needs. She even called and had a librarian at WP gather all the books for me. I haven't had a library card in years, so she put them under my name. I was completely stressing out about this until she helped me. In a way, she saved my life!!! I'm probably going to start going to libraries once again because of this particular librarian. When I revisit the Ortega branch, I will definitely ask for her name. read more

Next to a playground and school so lots and lots of screaming kids in the background. The library is pretty cramped, so expect to share a table. read more

Libraries are awesome. I stopped by last week to check out the newly renovated library. I can't say how much better it is from before since I can't remember ever coming to this branch before the renovation. It's clean, very well-lit with a ton of windows, and kind of small. I like going to newly renovated libraries because they have a ton of books, CDs, DVDs etc. I even found a couple of books off the shelves to check out. I haven't found books off the shelves in years. I usually put books on hold online and pick them up from my neighborhood branch. There are a bunch of computer stations, which can come in pretty handy. Oh, and also, the book return drop is outside. They don't have one inside. I found that weird. We didn't know that so we asked a librarian where the book return drop was. She told us it was outside. We asked if we could give it to them. They responded, "Yes." And then the head librarian (I think?) said, "THIS time!" Geez. Is it that big of a deal? read more

Nice place but so loud!!! I told the worker and he said that's just how it is. Seriously??? You piece of shhhhhh...ush!! read more

This library reopened on September 10 after a renovation project. I visited it one evening last week to check it out, and I am impressed by the big difference compared to before. The most noticeable thing is that there are more computer stations. The DVD selection is greater, which is important because the majority of the videos I watch I get from the various library branches. The biggest physical change about this building is that the entrance is now closer and more visible from the street, right at the entrance to the Sunset Playground. Before it was hidden and for some people that fact may be a bit intimidating during the night. All that is very good because, now that I moved to my new place, this branch is only a few blocks walking distance. I can now make a point of walking here for some exercise. read more

A library is a library. What can I say? The location is small b/c they're currently under construction. When I say small, I actually mean super duper tiny. The selection isn't all that great but I go there to pick up books mainly. There isn't much sitting space from what I remember, but they do have a computer with Internet and it's true what others say about parking. It's everywhere. No meters. Just watch out for street cleaning days. read more

Ortega Branch Library - No seating, but great place to pick up books if you're local. Internet enabled computer for use, but there's only one. - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Baby story time review: Street parking. Fairly new and bright library. They used props (scarves and building blocks) read more

After the re-opening in 2011, the Ortega Library looks fantastic, inside and out. I remember coming here as a little tyke, running around, getting scrapes... fast forward twenty years and I am back again. There is a jungle gym, landscaping, and a great library for the nearby students to hang out. And let me tell you, they are loud. And if they are not loudly talking, they are loudly practicing step routines. This branch is high energy with children of all ages. There are computers with wifi, group and individual seatings, study rooms, and homework help. Librarians are very friendly but promptly kick everyone out at closing time. Good library for children, but bad library for peace and quiet. read more

I really llke this branch. The librarians are really nice and helpful. As others have said it can get noisy when the next door A.P. Giannini middle school lets out at about 3:00 pm. I have however seen library staff ask the students to keep the noise down. It is generallly a really good branch read more

I like the library. It is in a convenient location and has a community events room. I haven't tried to reserve the events room, hopefully its not too expensive. The printers are good in a pinch, although it is a hassle when someone is hogging them for long periods of time. Minus a star due to the lack of reading/workspace. Not a necessary thing for a library to have, but a rather traditional one. Overall the space does feel cramped. Also it doesn't seem to have much in the way of a community newspaper rack or bulletin boards. I do feel as if the library was better before the redesign in ~2010. (It is better than the "closet" space it was based out of in 2011, although that room did have its charm. ;)) Also, best to avoid it during times when swarms of APG teens are there. I haven't had much of a chance to check out its book selection since the redesign, but pre-redesign I think I found the selection fairly sufficient. read more

Just a fantastic library. Remodeled in 2011 and is amazing. Storytime for babies/toddlers, free kid events in the summer, movie afternoons. Great kids section and helpful librarians. We head to the playground before hand to get the kids' energy out and they relax at the library after. Also enjoy checking out instructional DVDs for the kids. read more

Closest library branch to home. Enjoy the new rebuild and the staff is helpful. Many internet computer terminals and good selection of books and magazines too. Avoid between 3:30pm and 5pm on school days with many AP Giannini middle schoolers hanging around there and monopolizing the internet computers with their online gameplaying (violent shooting games and time consuming role playing games) and their penchant for loudly announcing all of the game moves they make or if the characters they control "die"...very irritating. I suppose those kids have to hang around there since there are a lack of after-school activities at Giannini. It is a far cry from the days when after-school activities were plentiful and the library was used for studying instead of as a game arcade. It is particularly sad on the rare days when the library internet is down, to see some familiar "gamers" turn around and leave rather than taking the time to check out what is on the book shelves and to sit down and have a good read. read more

I seem to be on a mission to collect as many library cards as possible (I'm up to 4!) so when I saw that several of the San Francisco libraries are open on Sunday's I seized the opportunity to add another library card to my collection. The SF library system has an excellent collection of e-books available to borrow, you can find most popular titles. I filled out my library card form online so getting a card was quick and easy. The library is next door to a school so there was plenty of free parking on a weekend. When you walk in the have laptops you can borrow with your library card, not something I've seen at other libraries. read more

Easy Parking. Very kid friendly. Clean but small selection of books. I occasionally forget to bring my library card when I go there and some of the (part-time -probably students) employees are very nice and are willing to look up my card number when I showed them my driver's license. However, don't expect that level of service from the more senior employees. In fact one of them actually accused me of lying when I said I left my library card at home. The next time I went there I was sure to present my library card. read more